Britain has called for de-escalation after Iranian naval forces seized a ship believed to be a floating armoury in the Gulf, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The vessel, reportedly carrying a cargo of small arms and ammunition, was intercepted on Wednesday near the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels. The crew, comprising mostly Indian and Filipino nationals, is understood to be unharmed but is being held for questioning.
The British Foreign Office issued a statement expressing deep concern and urging restraint from all parties. The United Arab Emirates, the ship’s intended destination, has remained silent. The incident comes days after a series of provocations, including the seizure of a tanker by Iranian forces.
The floating armoury, a practice used by private security firms to store weapons for transit through high-risk waters, has long been a source of friction with Iran. The ship’s ownership is unclear, but it is believed to be flagged under a Pacific island nation. Analysts note that the seizure fits a pattern of Iranian brinkmanship aimed at extracting concessions in stalled nuclear negotiations.
The US Fifth Fleet has increased patrols in the area. The situation remains fluid.
